Did Louisiana Tech Snub the Independence Bowl?

The University of Louisiana-Monroe has signed on to play in the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl. The Warhawks will take on the Ohio University Bobcats in the 37th installment of the Independence Bowl, set for Friday, Dec. 28th at 1 p.m.

There are reports that the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs were invited to play ULM in the December 28th game, but the Tech leaders turned down the opportunity hoping for an invite from another bowl. So far, that invite hasn't happened. This has outraged Louisiana Tech faithful, including high profile alum, Karl Malone who tweeted his disappointment.

2012 chairman Jack Andres said. “These are two dynamic football teams that will be a great addition to the long list of great teams that have played in the Independence Bowl. ULM will be playing in its first bowl game in program history after a Cinderella season, and will be matched up against a talented Ohio team that features one of the best running backs in the country."

Both teams had impressive seasons, as the Bobcats and Warhawks gained national attention for their play.  The Warhawks, coached by Todd Berry, finished the season 8-4 and are going to their first bowl game since becoming a member of the FBS in 1994. They jumped onto the national scene after upsetting No. 8 Arkansas in Little Rock, 34-31, to open the season. “To have a historic season culminate in a Bowl such as the Independence Bowl and the great city of Shreveport, La., is extra special".

Ohio, coached by Frank Solich, finished the season at 8-4. Like the Warhawks, the Bobcats also jumped into the national spotlight at the start of the season after going to Penn State and beating the Nittany Lions, 24-14, in Happy Valley. This will be the first meeting between the two teams.